DCI investigating after Cedar Falls officer shoots man

A Cedar Falls policeman shot a man early Wednesday. Police say the officer came upon a car parked on a residential street about 3 A.M., with its engine running and a man inside, unresponsive at the wheel. Cedar Falls Police Chief Jeff Olson says Officer Bob Anderson got out of his squad car and approached the suspect’s car. “He went up to the vehicle, he turned the vehicle off and then woke the driver up. He also noted some marijuana on the passenger seat,” says Chief Olson.

Anderson called for backup, then brought the 6-2, 270-pound man to the squad car. Police say while 27-year-old Zach Church was being placed inside the squad car, he began throwing punches, hitting Anderson in the face and head. The two ended up on the ground, with Church on top of the officer. “The officer was concerned about remaining conscious and warned the person several times that he was going to shoot and the guy kept assaulting him,” Olson says. “He did shoot.”

It’s not clear how many shots were fired, but Church was treated for more than one bullet wound at a local hospital. He was listed in stable condition. Anderson was also taken to a local hospital and treated for bruises and cuts, treated and released. Church faces charges for drugs and for felony assault of an officer. Anderson was placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

The investigation was turned over to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.